The Center for Thomistic Studies is the only graduate philosophy program in the United States uniquely focused on the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas. In the pursuit of a living Thomism, the Center’s programs stress both historical understanding of Aquinas’ texts and a rigorous rethinking of his 13th-century wisdom in the light of 21st-century problems and realities. Please review the Master of Arts and doctoral degree in philosophy admissions requirements below and apply now to participate in this exceptional graduate program.

A bachelor's degree, preferably with an undergraduate major in philosophy or a related liberal arts field. Students in their senior undergraduate year must furnish this evidence as soon as possible after they complete their degree requirements.

At least 18 hours of undergraduate philosophy in courses that would prepare the student for the program at the Center for Thomistic Studies.

An undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Transcripts of all academic work after high school submitted directly by the institutions concerned.

A record of the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

Letters of recommendation from three professional educators qualified to evaluate the applicant’s academic background and scholastic ability.

A writing sample, preferably an essay from a course in philosophy or a related liberal arts field. Students who have written a master’s thesis in a related liberal arts field must submit their thesis.

Admission Requirements, Ph.D. Program

Students must have a master’s degree in philosophy from the Center for Thomistic Studies or from another institution.

Transcripts of all academic work after high school submitted directly by the institutions concerned.

A record of the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

Letters of recommendation from three professional educators qualified to evaluate the applicant’s academic background and scholastic ability.

A writing sample. Students who have written a thesis as part of their master’s program at another institution must provide that thesis as their sample. All others must supply an essay from a Master of Arts-level course in philosophy.

Fulfillment of the language requirement. Students continuing with a master’s degree from the Center will have already passed the Master of Arts-level Latin examination, but students who have received master’s degrees from other institutions must pass the Master of Arts-level Latin examination no later than the third semester of doctoral study.

Application Deadline

All students applying for financial aid must submit their applications no later than January 31 of the year they intend to begin graduate studies at the Center for Thomistic Studies.

International Applicant Requirements

Master’s degree students of the Center who will be in the United States on a student visa must take at least nine credit hours or the equivalent per semester to fulfill the visa requirement that they be full-time students. During the final semester of the master’s program, such students are required to take only the credit hours needed to complete the master’s degree, even if these are fewer than nine.

Students on student visas are usually not allowed to be gainfully employed outside of the University.

Applicants must be accepted into the Center before they can apply for their student visas. Candidates who are not citizens of the United States must present an appropriate visa from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Applicants should visit the Office of International Student Services for more information. University of St. Thomas’ international student advisors are available for consultations. Please email isss@stthom.edu or call 713-525-3503.

Requirements for Non-Degree Students

Students taking a course or courses in the Center for Thomistic Studies, even if not proceeding to a degree, must satisfy both the director and the course instructor that they are qualified for the course or courses in question.

Students from the University of St. Thomas Carol and Odis Peavy School of Nursing parti...

University of St. Thomas
The University of St. Thomas, dedicated to educating leaders of faith and character, is a private institution committed to the liberal arts and to the religious, ethical and intellectual tradition of Catholic higher education. St. Thomas is Houston’s only Catholic University and was founded by the Basilian Fathers in 1947.